Wales meet France for the first time ever at a Rugby World Cup in Auckland on Saturday as both sides look to reach the final.

Despite facing each other 88 times since 1908, the two nations have never been thrown together in a Rugby World Cup. And history gives little indication of how the game might turn out. Of the 88 matches between the nations, France have won 42 while Wales have won 43 with three draws. Wales' superior record owes much to their 15-match winning streak in the first games played between the nations.

However recent form suggests that France may have a psychological edge having beaten Warren Gatland's men in their last three meeting, six of their last seven encounters and nine in their last eleven. Wales' only victory over Les Bleus in the past six years came at the Millennium Stadium in March 2008. On that day Shane Williams and his namesake Martin both crossed for tries while James Hook kicked three penalties and Stephen Jones landed two penalties and two conversions in a 29-12 win.

Possibly Wales' most famous victory over France came during the 2005 Six Nations when Martyn Williams inspired a second-half comeback with two tries as Wales went on to win 24-18 in Paris, and later claimed the Grand Slam. The last meeting between the two sides came in this year's Six Nations when two tries from Lionel Nallet helped France to a 28-9 win in the Stade de France.

1,959,513 on Wales. Our game to win or lose. France may start strong, but our defence is near invincible right now. We'll defend, and break them in the later stages while getting a few breaking tries in the process. I expect the final 20 minutes to be Wales finest hour, France will be wheezing by the end of it whilst Wales could play another 80.

First time Wales haven't been the underdogs in god knows how long.

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“There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.”

I can't call this. I think all the momentum is with Wales. They've been playing marvelous rugby, so physical and clever while running great lines. Then again, it depends what France team turns up. I think they've been poor at best so far but when they start chucking the ball around without a care in the world, as we've seen them do, then I think they can beat anyone in the world. However I'm just not sure if that French team will show up.